“Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools.”

Ecclesiastes 7:9

TCR Number: 3953-3959

Anger is a very real emotion and one we all struggle with from time to time. Anger can destroy friendships and relationships. Anger can damage you both physically and spiritually. However, when used rightly anger is right and good. In this short study from the Thompson Chain Reference Bible, I aim to explore the subject of anger.

Examples of Man’s Anger

In Genesis 16:6 we read about Sarah’s anger towards Hagar. This is an example of anger used wrongly. We read that Sarah oppressed Hagar. Why did Sarah oppress Hagar?

In 1 Kings 21:4, we read about Ahab who was angry because of the word that Naboth the Jizreelite had spoken to him. What did this anger lead to?

In Ephesians 6:4 the Bible gives instruction to godly fathers to not provoke their children to anger. Why is the instruction important to both fathers and their children?

In Genesis 27 we read the account of Esau’s hatred towards his brother Jacob. In verse 45 we read, “until your brother’s anger against you subsides and he forgets what you did to him. Then I will send and get you from there. Why should I be bereaved of you both in one day?” Why did Esau hate his brother Jacob?

Examples of God’s Anger

In Numbers 22:20-23 we read about God’s anger at Balaam’s greedy attitude. Who did God send in the way to withstand him?

In Genesis 19:24 we read about God’s judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. What did God rain down on Sodom and Gomorrah?

In Psalm 74:1-2 we read about a cry to God, “O God, why have You rejected us forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture? Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old, Which You have redeemed to be the tribe of Your inheritance; And this Mount Zion, where You have dwelt.” Here the Psalmist is not questioning God’s anger and judgement. He is concerned as to why there is no let-up in God’s smoking anger. What can we learn about God’s anger from Psalm 74?

Another example of God’s anger can be found in Romans 1:18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” Here the righteous anger of God is shown towards those who hold the truth in unrighteousness. Why is God angry with such people?

Learning from Anger

Anger takes our focus away from God. Psalm 37:8-9 says, “Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.” There is great wisdom to be learnt in Psalm 30:5. The Psalmist David writes, “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.” Here David alludes to the dispensation of God’s providence of chastisement. For God’s people there is a lifetime of His grace and mercy with momentary expressions of His anger.

In Matthew 21:12 the Bible says, “And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves.” Here our Lord displays a righteous anger towards those who turned the place of worship into a den of robbers. The place of worship is set apart from the things of the world for the purpose of praise and worship of God.

Anger is not always wrong. There are many times when anger is justified. When the honour and glory of God is at stake anger can be used for good. It is right that God’s people get angry when the truth of God is brought into question and doubt. There is a lack of righteous anger nowadays towards sin and false doctrine. In days gone by sin and false doctrine was not tolerated like it is today. This is a sign of the times we live in and a result of the unrighteousness that has gone unchallenged for many years. We need to be careful not to sin when angry as Ephesians 4:26-27 warns us. In James 1:19-20 the Bible says, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”

James 3:6 says, “And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.” Here we read some great words of wisdom. Words spoken in anger can destroy. “The tremendous destructive power of the tongue comes from hell” comments Charles Ryrie.

Proverbs 19:19 says, “A man of great anger will bear the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.” The wisdom from this verse is this. It is useless to rescue a man who is given too much anger, as his rage will continually lead him into trouble. I would like to close with Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”